10 things to know for Thursday

FILE - This Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009 file photo shows Syrian President Bashar Assad, seen, during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, unseen, at the presidency in Tehran, Iran. Syria's state news agency has quoted Assad as saying Syria will defend itself against any aggression. Assad's comments Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013 come at a time of rising expectations of a punitive military strike against Syria by Western powers, in response to suspected poison gas attacks near Damascus last week. The group Doctors Without Borders says the attacks killed 355 people. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:

1. PRESIDENT MAKING CASE FOR MILITARY STRIKE

American retaliation for Syrian chemical use would send a “strong signal,” he says. Click here for story

2. QUESTIONS ARISE ABOUT STRENGTH OF US INTEL

The evidence linking Assad or his inner circle to the purported chemical weapons attack so far is no “slam dunk,” officials tell the AP. Click here for story

3. OBAMA: KING’S DREAM NOT YET REALITY

On the 50th anniversary of the civil rights leader’s famous speech, the president also challenges new generations to seize the cause of racial equality. Click here for story

4. HUNGRY FOR HIGHER PAY

Thousands of fast-food workers seeking better wages are set to stage walkouts in dozens of cities around the U.S. Click here for story

5. WHO’S NOT HITTING THE ROAD

After rising for decades, total vehicle use in the U.S. — the collective miles people drive — peaked in 2007. Click here for story

6. MONTANA JUDGE STANDS BY 30-DAY JAIL TERM FOR RAPIST

He has said the 14-year-old victim was as much in control as the former teacher who assaulted her. The girl later killed herself. Click here for story

7. WHAT’S TOPS AMONG ILLEGAL DRUGS

It’s pot. But a global survey also finds that addictions to painkillers like Vicodin, Oxycontin and codeine kill the most people. Click here for story

8. DOCTOR: JACKSON SOUGHT PROPOFOL YEARS AGO

She says she refused the singer’s late 1990s request, telling him the drug wasn’t appropriate as a sleep aid. Click here for story

9. HOW JOHNNY MANZIEL IS BEING PUNISHED

The QB, who signed autographs for memorabilia brokers, will be forced to sit out the first half of Texas A&M’s season-opener Saturday against Rice. Click here for story

10. JAMES BLAKE’S CAREER COMES TO A CLOSE

The American suffers a five-set loss to Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic. Blake announced earlier that the U.S. Open would be his last pro tournament. Click here for story